Our body’s health is directly linked to our stomach, but when a serious infection or problem occurs in the stomach, our entire life is affected. These days, a dangerous stomach infection called Cyclospora infection (Cyclosporiasis) is rapidly spreading in many places, including the United States. The severity of the situation can be gauged from the fact that two people have died in Michigan, USA, due to this deadly disease. According to health experts, this is not a common food poisoning, but a dangerous parasite affecting the intestines. Recently, Bollywood actress Saba Azad was hospitalized with this serious infection, which has increased public concern.
What is Cyclospora infection and how does this parasite spread?
According to gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, food poisoning is usually caused by bacteria or viruses, but the main cause of Cyclospora infection is a microscopic parasite present in raw salads and contaminated water. The scientific name for this disease is Cyclospora cayetanensis. This parasite primarily targets the human digestive system and intestines. When a person eats untreated raw fruits, leafy vegetables, or lettuce, or drinks contaminated water, the parasite easily enters the body. Sometimes, people contract this infection by swallowing dirty swimming pool water.
These are the main symptoms of Cyclospora infection:
Cyclospora infection begins to manifest about a week after infection. Early symptoms include frequent, watery diarrhea, severe abdominal cramps and pain, persistent nausea and vomiting, and a sudden loss of appetite. Patients also experience extreme fatigue, weakness, mild fever, gas, weight loss, and dehydration. If you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period, don’t ignore them, thinking they’re just a simple stomach upset. Doctors recommend a PCR test to accurately diagnose the disease, so that appropriate treatment can be initiated in a timely manner.
Take these important precautions to avoid this dangerous disease
Since this parasite is most commonly spread through raw salads and green vegetables, extreme caution is required to prevent it. Simply rinsing fruits and vegetables with water isn’t enough, as the microbes can remain attached to the leaves. Health experts recommend always removing the outer leaves of leafy vegetables and lettuce and thoroughly rinsing the remaining parts with clean, running water. Furthermore, always cook food thoroughly before eating to completely eliminate the risk of infection. A little caution and hygiene can help protect yourself and your family from this deadly intestinal infection.